SafePlants

Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum)

Hymenosporum flavum, commonly known as Native Frangipani, is an evergreen tree prized for its fragrant flowers and glossy foliage. It is native to Australia and New Guinea and is cultivated as an ornamental tree in various regions.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves are described as "soft thin textured," which might be attractive to some animals.
• The plant produces flowers which may be tempting to animals to ingest.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves are described as "soft thin textured," which might be attractive to some children.
• The plant produces flowers which may be tempting to children to ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Hymenosporum flavum (Hook.) F. Muell.
• Common Names: Native Frangipani, Queensland Frangipani, Sweet Cheesewood, Sweetshade, Australian Frangipani, Hawaiian Wedding Tree
• Family: Pittosporaceae
• Hymenosporum flavum is the sole member of the genus Hymenosporum, making it a monotypic genus. The genus is closely related to Pittosporum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, as well as New Guinea.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen tree, often slender with an upright growth habit.
• Mature height typically ranges from 10-20 meters (approximately 30-60 feet), but can reach up to 40 feet.
• Width at maturity is generally 5-10 meters (approximately 16-33 feet), or about half the height.
• Growth rate is medium to fast.
• Leaves are glossy, rich green, oval, simple, alternate, and short-stalked, measuring 8-16cm in length. They are broadest above the middle and have a soft, thin texture.
• Flowers are highly fragrant, cream to pale lemon or yellow in color, and borne in clusters, blooming profusely in spring. They are honey-scented and tubular.

Quirky Facts

• The plant's growth habit can be "somewhat unpredictable," but it usually remains upright and fairly narrow.
• The flowers are described as having a scent "similar to frangipani".

Cultivars

• 'Gold Nugget' is a dwarf shrub cultivar with large glossy leaves and yellow perfumed flowers.
• 'Lushious' is a selected dwarf form that produces cream to pale lemon fragrant flowers in full sunlight from late spring to early summer.